President Zourabichvili: “I’ll Bring Foreign Guests to Jigaura Science Center to Show What Georgia Has”

President Salome Zourabichvili visited Jigaura’s Base of Permanent Crop Research and was briefed on the working specifics of the virology laboratory.

The President also toured a local wine crop, cultivated at the base. Fruit and vine crops are part of the experimental base of the scientific-research center and take up 80 hectares of space. It is the only place in Georgia where almost 450 varieties of local Georgian grapevines, as well as a collection of 350 varieties of foreign grapevines, are planted.

Selection works are underway at the center, and winemakers are produce almost 100-150 wines from different types of breeds.

The finding and propagating works were launched in 2007. In 2014, a research center was established. The project was made possible by CARTU Bank in 2007, before being handed to the state in 2014.

The President also explored the infrastructure of the virology laboratory and was briefed on the specifics of diagnostic studies from representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture.

President Zourabichvili called the operation of the center significantly important, noting that it provides a huge contribution to the development of Georgia’s agricultural potential.

“This center is crucial for the development of agriculture and vine culture. With our country keeping more than 500 ancient endemic varieties of vine, and most of them having been revitalized, it is a source of amazing wealth, and a huge potential for winemaking.
“I will pay a visit to the United Nations next week. One of the events in which I will be participating is a climate conference, where I want to present this great asset of our country: the diversity of endemic species.
“Not only are endemic species of vines produced here, but also species of wheat and various plants of Georgia. Keeping and developing this tradition is our country’s progress and strengthening.
“I will bring here all foreign guests to show all the potential that Georgia has,” said President Zourabichvili.